Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a powerful statement in the IPL 2025 opener, crushing defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. RCB’s bowlers staged a remarkable comeback to restrict KKR to 174/8, setting the stage for an emphatic run chase.
Match-Winning Powerplay:
The match’s outcome was largely determined in the Powerplay. RCB’s explosive start, reaching 80/0 in six overs, overshadowed KKR’s 60/1.
- KKR’s Initial Struggle: KKR’s openers struggled early, managing only 9 runs in the first three overs.
- KKR’s Recovery: Ajinkya Rahane’s aggressive batting helped KKR recover, but RCB’s bowling, particularly Josh Hazlewood’s, kept them in check.
- RCB’s Explosive Start: Phil Salt and Virat Kohli launched a relentless assault, setting a dominant tone for RCB.
Key Innings Breakdown:
- KKR’s Innings:
- Powerplay: 60/1 (Rahane’s aggressive hitting after a slow start)
- Middle Overs: 85/4 (Narine’s redemption, Krunal Pandya’s crucial wickets shifting momentum)
- Death Overs: 29/3 (RCB’s bowling dominance, Hazlewood’s effective containment)
- RCB’s Innings:
- Powerplay: 80/0 (Salt’s aggressive batting, Kohli’s support)
- Middle Overs: 77/2 (Kohli and Patidar maintain high run rate, key wickets for KKR, but not enough)
- Death Overs: 20/1 in 1.2 overs (Livingstone finishes the game quickly)
Key Performances:
- RCB:
- Phil Salt: 56 runs (explosive opening knock)
- Virat Kohli: 59* runs (consistent and impactful)
- Krunal Pandya: 3/29 (crucial wickets in the middle overs)
- Josh Hazlewood: effective bowling through the entire match.
- KKR:
- Ajinkya Rahane: 56 runs (aggressive batting)
- Sunil Narine: 44 runs (recovered after a slow start)
Result:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 177/3 in 16.2 overs defeated Kolkata Knight Riders 174/8 in 20 overs by 7 wickets.
What’s Next:
- RCB travels to Chennai with high confidence.
- KKR heads to Guwahati to face Rajasthan Royals.
